Kingdom of Amalur is looking more and more interesting.

[thespyder]

Are RPG's ever going to go anywhere besides here and sci-fi?

Really....I'm so sick of this theme, and there are so many time-periods / places they could utilize to take the genre somewhere new.

You could play Freedom Force. That's Superheroes.

 

[Stringjam]

like where/what? elaborate.

16th century China, or maybe somewhere around 12th century Japan......either of which would provide a backdrop for some incredible artistic direction.

Late 1800's western U.S. - - tons of possibility there, if they could manage to stay away from the cheesy Hollywood junk.

STALKER was an incredibly creative idea....although more an FPS than RPG, you could easily take the concept the other way.

How about the African savanna? Maybe southern Mexico during the time period of Mayan control?

I know there are a few games out there in some of the periods above, but there certainly doesn't seem to be much interest in really branching out from the norm.

 

[thespyder]

16th century China, or maybe somewhere around 12th century Japan......either of which would provide a backdrop for some incredible artistic direction.

Late 1800's western U.S. - - tons of possibility there, if they could manage to stay away from the cheesy Hollywood junk.

STALKER was an incredibly creative idea....although more an FPS than RPG, you could easily take the concept the other way.

How about the African savanna? Maybe southern Mexico during the time period of Mayan control?

I know there are a few games out there in some of the periods above, but there certainly doesn't seem to be much interest in really branching out from the norm.

Have you tried Jade Empire?

Agreed there are a lot that focus on Fantasy or Sci Fi. And the sky is the limit on when and where games of this type could be created. Just because the vast majority are based on some version of Tolkienesque Elves and Dragons, doesn't mean they all need to. I just think that not a lot of people have had the foresight to actually suggest it.

But hey, break the mold.

Also, if you want something original (if a bit dated) play Planescape: Torment. You won't be disapointed. Arcanum is another one that stands out as not being the "Typical". Or again, freedom Force was excellent and not either Sci Fi or Fantasy.

 

[shortylickens]

Theres loads of potential for RPG's in other timelines, or fantasy settings besides Tolkein clones.
Actually Morrowind was like that, then they went all generic in Oblivion to capture the lowest common denominator.

Sacrifice was a fine example of alternative fantasy, but it never got a sequel.